"If they don't get Juan Soto, Hal Steinbrenner would get blitzed": MLB analyst on Yankees boss being in 'horrible' position competing with Mets owner
The New York Yankees are experiencing challenges in their attempts to secure the signature of standout outfielder Juan Soto, and MLB analyst Steve Phillips has pointed out the hurdles facing team owner Hal Steinbrenner.
On MLB Network Radio, Phillips expressed his doubts about Steinbrenner's capacity to rival Mets owner Steve Cohen's financial strength, particularly during the current Soto talks.
"I think Hal Steinbrenner is going to get just destroyed in New York, if he doesn't beat Steve Cohen in this. People are not acknowledging the significance of what this means to New York right now.
"I lived it, like we would never go after a Yankee free agent, they would never go after our player and it was never talked about. But you didn't do it because you understood that the long term ramification of that war was only going to run the price and it would lead to both sides at some point being criticised for being cheap."
Phillips cautioned that Steinbrenner could expect severe backlash if the Yankees are unable to secure Soto. There is anticipation for the Yankees to make a big move this offseason, as the Mets are also chasing top players, placing pressure on Steinbrenner to act swiftly.
"Steve Cohen's playing the game and Hal Steinbrenner is going to play the game with Steve Cohens it seems and that's where Hal Steinbrenner needs to sign Soto and bring him back. This is gonna not be about Brian Cashman right now, this is gonna be about Steinbrenner. It's a horrible position for him to be in like I feel badly for him and if they don't get him (Soto) Hal will get blitzed in New York."
Throughout history, the Yankees have been considered one of the richest teams in MLB, but they are currently encountering distinct obstacles, with teams like the Mets showing a willingness to invest heavily and pose a serious challenge to them.
Soto had a .288 batting average, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs in 2024. He stole seven bases and maintained an OBP of .419 and a slugging percentage of .569.